Insulting support bracket for jacketed pipe system

ABSTRACT

A saddle includes an arcuate central portion defining a first end and a second end opposite the first end; a first flange portion bent radially inward from the arcuate central portion at the first end; and a second flange portion bend radially inward from the arcuate central portion at the second end.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.16/878,477, filed May 19, 2020, which is hereby specificallyincorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to piping. More specifically, this disclosurerelates to piping insulation.

BACKGROUND

In various applications of various industries, piping can requireinsulation. In various aspects, insulation can be implemented around apipe. While various insulation methods and implementations exist in thevarious fields, there remains a need for structural piping insulationthat is not especially fragile but maintains temperature of extremelyhot or extremely cold fluids or other transported substrate media.

SUMMARY

It is to be understood that this summary is not an extensive overview ofthe disclosure. This summary is exemplary and not restrictive, and it isintended to neither identify key or critical elements of the disclosurenor delineate the scope thereof. The sole purpose of this summary is toexplain and exemplify certain concepts of the disclosure as anintroduction to the following complete and extensive detaileddescription.

Disclosed is an insulating support bracket including a plurality ofstandoffs, each standoff being formed of rigid insulating material; aplurality of saddles, each saddle being formed of a rigid material, eachsaddle being fastened to at least one standoff.

Also disclosed is a jacketed pipe system including an inner pipe, theinner pipe being of an outer diameter d₁ and being hollow; an insulatingsupport bracket itself including a plurality of standoffs, each standoffbeing formed of rigid insulating material; a plurality of saddles, eachsaddle being formed of a rigid material, each saddle being fastened toat least one standoff, the insulating support bracket being formed intoa ring and surrounding the inner pipe; and an outer pipe, the outer pipebeing of an inner diameter d₂ and being hollow and surrounding theinsulating support bracket and the inner pipe.

Also disclosed is a method of forming a jacketed pipe assembly includingthe steps of obtaining an inner pipe, the inner pipe being of an outerdiameter d₁ and being hollow; obtaining a plurality of standoffs and aplurality of saddles; arranging the plurality of standoffs and theplurality of saddles abutting the outer diameter d₁ and surrounding theinner pipe; fastening at least one standoff to at least one saddle toform a ring, thereby forming an insulating support bracket having aninner diameter d₁ and an outer diameter d₀; and arranging an outer pipearound the insulating support bracket, the outer pipe having an innerdiameter d₂, wherein the inner diameter d_(i) is about the same as theouter diameter d₁ and wherein the outer diameter d₀ is about the same asthe inner diameter d₂.

Disclosed is a saddle comprising an arcuate central portion defining afirst end and a second end opposite the first end; a first flangeportion bent radially inward from the arcuate central portion at thefirst end; and a second flange portion bend radially inward from thearcuate central portion at the second end.

Additionally, disclosed is an insulating support bracket comprising asaddle comprising an arcuate central portion and a first flange portionextending radially inward from the arcuate central portion, and a secondflange portion extending radially inward from the arcuate centralportion; and a first standoff fastened to the first flange portion; anda second standoff fastened to the second flange portion.

Various implementations described in the present disclosure may includeadditional systems, methods, features, and advantages, which may notnecessarily be expressly disclosed herein but will be apparent to one ofordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following detaileddescription and accompanying drawings. It is intended that all suchsystems, methods, features, and advantages be included within thepresent disclosure and protected by the accompanying claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features and components of the following figures are illustrated toemphasize the general principles of the present disclosure.Corresponding features and components throughout the figures may bedesignated by matching reference characters for the sake of consistencyand clarity.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one aspect of a jacketed pipe assembly.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an insulating spacer bracket as part ofthe jacketed pipe assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is another perspective view of the insulating spacer bracket ofFIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a saddle as part of the insulatingspacer bracket of FIGS. 2-3.

FIG. 5 is another perspective view of the saddle of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a standoff as part of the insulatingspacer bracket of FIGS. 2-3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure can be understood more readily by reference tothe following detailed description, examples, drawings, and claims, andthe previous and following description. However, before the presentdevices, systems, and/or methods are disclosed and described, it is tobe understood that this disclosure is not limited to the specificdevices, systems, and/or methods disclosed unless otherwise specified,and, as such, can, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that theterminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularaspects only and is not intended to be limiting.

The following description is provided as an enabling teaching of thepresent devices, systems, and/or methods in its best, currently knownaspect. To this end, those skilled in the relevant art will recognizeand appreciate that many changes can be made to the various aspects ofthe present devices, systems, and/or methods described herein, whilestill obtaining the beneficial results of the present disclosure. Itwill also be apparent that some of the desired benefits of the presentdisclosure can be obtained by selecting some of the features of thepresent disclosure without utilizing other features. Accordingly, thosewho work in the art will recognize that many modifications andadaptations to the present disclosure are possible and can even bedesirable in certain circumstances and are a part of the presentdisclosure. Thus, the following description is provided as illustrativeof the principles of the present disclosure and not in limitationthereof.

As used throughout, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” includeplural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus,for example, reference to “an element” can include two or more suchelements unless the context indicates otherwise.

Ranges can be expressed herein as from “about” one particular value,and/or to “about” another particular value. When such a range isexpressed, another aspect includes from the one particular value and/orto the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed asapproximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understoodthat the particular value forms another aspect. It will be furtherunderstood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant bothin relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the otherendpoint.

For purposes of the current disclosure, a material property or dimensionmeasuring about X or substantially X on a particular measurement scalemeasures within a range between X plus an industry-standard uppertolerance for the specified measurement and X minus an industry-standardlower tolerance for the specified measurement. Because tolerances canvary between different materials, processes and between differentmodels, the tolerance for a particular measurement of a particularcomponent can fall within a range of tolerances.

As used herein, the terms “optional” or “optionally” mean that thesubsequently described event or circumstance can or cannot occur, andthat the description includes instances where said event or circumstanceoccurs and instances where it does not.

The word “or” as used herein means any one member of a particular listand also includes any combination of members of that list. Further, oneshould note that conditional language, such as, among others, “can,”“could,” “might,” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, orotherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intendedto convey that certain aspects include, while other aspects do notinclude, certain features, elements and/or steps. Thus, such conditionallanguage is not generally intended to imply that features, elementsand/or steps are in any way required for one or more particular aspectsor that one or more particular aspects necessarily include logic fordeciding, with or without user input or prompting, whether thesefeatures, elements and/or steps are included or are to be performed inany particular aspect.

Disclosed are components that can be used to perform the disclosedmethods and systems. These and other components are disclosed herein,and it is understood that when combinations, subsets, interactions,groups, etc. of these components are disclosed that while specificreference of each various individual and collective combinations andpermutation of these may not be explicitly disclosed, each isspecifically contemplated and described herein, for all methods andsystems. This applies to all aspects of this application including, butnot limited to, steps in disclosed methods. Thus, if there are a varietyof additional steps that can be performed it is understood that each ofthese additional steps can be performed with any specific aspect orcombination of aspects of the disclosed methods.

Disclosed is a jacketed pipe and associated methods, systems, devices,and various apparatus. The jacketed pipe includes an insulating spacerbracket. It would be understood by one of skill in the art that thedisclosed bracket is described in but a few exemplary embodiments amongmany. No particular terminology or description should be consideredlimiting on the disclosure or the scope of any claims issuing therefrom.

One embodiment of an insulating spacer bracket 1000—or “spacer”—for usewith jacketed pipe is disclosed and described with reference to FIG. 1.The spacer can be utilized to implement jacketed pipe to maintainstructural integrity of the jacketed pipe while maintaining insulatingproperties unique to jacketed pipe.

In multiple applications, temperature-sensitive substrate materials canbe required to be transmitted through a pipe or pipeline. In oneexample, crude oil extracted from the ground can exceed 120° Fahrenheit.In other examples, crude oil or other substrates can exceed 150°Celsius, or over 300° Fahrenheit. Oil pipelines can carry the crude oilfrom its source to a refinery where it can be refined in oil productssuch as petroleum. Some of these oil pipelines extend from permafrostregions—such as in the Yukon, Nunavut, and Northwest Territories inCanada—to areas more hospitable to a refinery location. Such a pipelineis undesirable above ground because it is exposed to the weather andbecause it prevents migration of ground mammals. However, if such apipeline is buried at temperatures in excess of 100° Fahrenheit, thepermafrost no longer maintains its frozen temperatures. Such thawing ofthe permafrost is environmentally undesirable and can cause sink holesand other structural damage to the pipeline. In another example,liquefied natural gas can be transported through a pipe in a structure.Liquefied natural gas forms at −265° Fahrenheit. At such temperature,insulation of some sort is necessary to prevent the environmentsurrounding it from affecting the product inside the piping. Othersimilar examples of temperature-sensitive liquids or gasses includeliquid nitrogen (−346° Fahrenheit) or even simply high temperature andpressure water or steam, such as that ejected as exhaust by nuclearreactor coolant systems.

To address these temperature-sensitive applications, insulated pipe canbe a helpful solution. For many applications, however, simple insulationcan be insufficient to address the needs of temperature maintenance. Assuch, jacketed pipe can be used as an insulating element to maintainsubstrate temperature. In a jacketed pipe system, an inner pipe can benested within an outer pipe. The inner pipe can have an outer diameterthat is smaller than an inner diameter of the outer pipe such that anair gap is maintained between the inner pipe and the outer pipe.Depending on the application, the air gap can be of a thickness ofseveral inches or several feet. Ambient air is an effective insulator solong as convection is minimized. As such, the air gap between the innerpipe and the outer pipe in a jacketed pipe system can prevent heattransfer into or out of the substrate from the environment surroundingthe jacketed pipe. In various jacketed pipe systems, an insulatingmaterial can be utilized to fill the air gap as well, such as afiberglass, ceramic, or carbon insulation material. In variousapplications, the air gap can be partially filled by insulation.

With such a system, however, some issues can arise. Especially withheavy pipe and heavy liquids, concentricity of the outer and inner pipecan become compromised. If the inner pipe becomes skewed within theouter pipe, the insulating effect can be minimized, as the outer pipecan in some cases conduct heat directly with the inner pipe.Additionally, in some cases, the inner pipe can carry very heavysubstrate materials, thereby causing structural problems in supportingthe inner pipe within the outer pipe. In some cases with no load bearinginsulation, the inner pipe can become damaged or crack under the weight.In other cases, insulation within the outer pipe can become damaged bythe lack of load bearing support, which can lead to leaks in the system,or undesirable heat transfer into or out of the inner carrier pipe.

As seen with reference to FIG. 1, a jacketed pipe system 500 cancomprise the insulating spacer bracket 1000. The insulated spacerbracket 1000 can be located around an inner pipe 510 and positionedwithin an outer pipe (not shown).

As seen with reference to FIGS. 2-3, the insulating spacer bracket 1000can in various aspects be an assembly of smaller elements. In variousaspects, the insulating spacer bracket 1000 can be a single piece. Invarious aspects, the insulating spacer bracket 1000 can be a clamshelldesign, or various other applications as would be understood by one ofskill in the art.

In the current aspect, the insulating spacer bracket can comprise aplurality of standoffs 1100. In the current aspect, six standoffs 1100can be included. In various aspects, more or fewer standoffs 1100 can beincluded.

In various aspects, the standoffs 1100 can be formed of substantiallyrigid but also insulating material. In various aspects, each standoff1100 can be formed from composites such as fiberglass, carbon fiber,linen, canvas, or other materials in resin. In various aspects, eachstandoff 1100 can be formed of wood, phenolic, polymer, or other variousmaterials suitable to the application. In one aspect, each standoff 1100can be formed of high density polyurethane or high density polyurethanefoam. One suitable high density polyurethane can be CoraFoam®. In oneaspect, each standoff 1100 can be formed of composites of linen, canvas,paper, fiberglass, carbon fiber or other fabric in a thermosettingplastic. Micarta® can be one such suitable material. Micarta® cancomprise cellulosic material such as cellulose paper, cotton fabrics,synthetic yarn fabrics, glass fabrics, or unwoven fabric. Micarta® cancomprise phenolic, epoxy, silicone, or melamine resin based thermosetmaterials reinforced with fiberglass, cork, cotton cloth, paper, carbonfiber or other substrates. In one aspect, each standoff 1100 can beformed of Micarta® NP572. In various aspects, Micarta® NP572 can be highstrength, medium weave glass fabric with epoxy resin. Micarta® NP572 canmaintain dimensional stability and high strength even with temperaturesover 150° C. Micarta® NP572 can, in various aspects, comprise thematerial properties indicated below.

Physical Properties Metric English Comments Specific Gravity 1.89 g/cc1.89 g/cc ASTM D792 @ thickness 12.7 mm @ thickness 0.500 in MoistureAbsorption 0.200% 0.200% ASTM D570 @ thickness 1.57 mm @ thickness 0.062in Condition A Mechanical Properties Metric English Comments RockwellHardness 108 108 ASTM D785 @ thickness 6.35 mm @ thickness 0.250 inTensile Strength 241 MPa 35000 psi ASTM D638 @ thickness 3.17 mm @thickness 0.125 in Condition A - crosswise 326 MPa 47300 psi ASTM D638 @thickness 3.17 mm @ thickness 0.125 in Condition A - lengthwise FlexuralStrength 365 MPa 53000 psi CrossWise; ASTM @ thickness 1.57 mm @thickness D790 Condition A 0.0620 in 472 MPa 68500 psi LengthWise; ASTM@ thickness 1.57 mm @ thickness D790 Condition A 0.0620 in Compressive497 MPa 72100 psi Flatwise; ASTM Strength @ thickness 12.7 mm @thickness 0.500 in D695 Condition A Shear Strength 174 MPa 25200 psiperpendicular; ASTM @ thickness 1.57 mm @ thickness D732 Condition A0.0620 in Izod Impact, 5.50 J/cm 10.3 ft-lb/in CrossWise; ASTM Unnotched@ thickness 12.7 mm @ thickness 0.500 in D256 Condition E- 48/50 6.67J/cm 12.5 ft-lb/in LengthWise; ASTM @ thickness 12.7 mm @ thickness0.500 in D256 Condition E- 48/50 Electrical Properties Metric EnglishComments Dielectric Constant 4.1 4.1 ASTM D150 @ Thickness 1.57 @Thickness 0.0620 Condition D-24/23 mm, in, Frequency 1.00e+6 Frequency1.00e+6 Hz Hz Dielectric Strength 26.8 kV/mm 680 kV/in ASTM D149 @Thickness 1.57 mm @ Thickness 0.0620 Condition A in 29.9 kV/mm 760 kV/inASTM D149 @ Thickness 1.57 mm @ Thickness 0.0620 Condition D-48/50 inDielectric 69000 V 69000 V ASTM D149 Breakdown @ Thickness 1.57 mm @Thickness 0.0620 Condition A in Dissipation Factor 0.018 0.018 ASTM D150@ Thickness 1.57 @ Thickness 0.0620 Condition D-24/23 mm, in, Frequency1.00e+6 Frequency 1.00e+6 Hz Hz Arc Resistance 185 sec 185 sec ASTM D495@ Thickness 3.17 mm @ Thickness 0.125 in Conition A Thermal PropertiesMetric English Comments Transformation 180° C. 356° F. DMA Temperature,Tg @ Thickness 12.7 mm @ Thickness 0.500 in Flammability, UL94 V-0 V-0 @Thickness 1.57 mm @ Thickness 0.0620 in Descriptive Properties BondingStrength 1800 [lb]; 0.5″; ASTM D229 Condition D- 48/50 MaterialProperties Chart of Micarta ® NP572

In various aspects, carbon fiber or fiberglass laminates can also beutilized to form each standoff 1100. In various aspects, varyingmaterials can be combined to form standoffs 1100 having various thermalor electrical insulating and structural properties

In the current aspect, each standoff 1100 can be about rectangular inshape. In various aspects, each standoff 1100 can be contoured to thecurvature of the inner pipe 510. In various aspects, various othershapes can be suitable depending on the application.

In the current aspect, each standoff 1100 can be joined, affixed, orfastened to at least one saddle 1200. In the current aspect, a pluralityof saddles 1200 can be fastened to the plurality of standoffs 1100 toform a ring-shaped insulating spacer bracket 1000. Each saddle 1200 canbe substantially curved thereby connecting the rectangular standoffs1100 in a curved or circular arrangement. Each saddle 1200 can befastened to at least one standoff 1100 by at least one fastener 1220. Inthe current aspect, each standoff 1100 can be fastened to a pair ofsaddles 1200 by a pair of fasteners 1220. In the current aspect, eachfastener 1220 can be a bolt and nut assembly. In various aspects, eachfastener 1220 can be a threaded fastener to join directly to thestandoff 1100. In various aspects, adhesives, key/fit arrangements, orother joining elements can be utilized as fasteners 1220 as would beunderstood by one of skill in the art.

As seen with reference to FIGS. 4-5, each saddle 1200 can comprise acentral portion 1310 and at least one flange portion 1320. In thecurrent aspect, each central portion 1310 can be curved to accommodatethe inner diameter of the outer pipe (not shown). Each central portion1310 can define at least one vent 1330. In various aspects, the centralportion 1310 can define a plurality of vents 1330. In the currentaspect, each central portion 1310 can define four vents 1330. In variousaspects, the vents 1330 can provide a variety of purposes. In variousaspects, each saddle 1200 can be formed of a strong material, which canbe rigid or ductile in various aspects. In various aspects, the saddle1200 can be formed of metal, composite, or other similar strongmaterials sufficient to carry the load necessary to hold the substrateand the jacketed pipe without collapsing. In the current aspect, thesaddle 1200 can be made of steel, including stainless steels and carbonsteels. In the current aspect, the saddle 1200 can be formed of 304stainless steel. Because steel and other metals can be conductive ofheat, vents 1330 can be introduced to reduce contact area with the outerpipe, which can thereby reduce the transmission of heat through thesaddle 1200 to the outer pipe. Vents 1330 an also remove material fromthe saddles 1200, thereby reducing the weight of each saddle 1200 andeasing in assembly of the spacer 1000 from the saddles 1200 andstandoffs 1100. In the field, the insulating spacer bracket 1000 can beformed around the inner pipe 510 by a field worker, in some aspects. Assuch, handling the saddle 1200 can be required by hand, and removingweight from the saddle 1200 can be helpful to assembly workers. In thecurrent aspect, vents 1330 can also provide access for a technician toutilize a wrench for tightening fasteners 1220.

Each saddle 1200 can also define a plurality of fastener holes 1340. Thefastener holes 1340 can be sized and arranged to accommodate thefasteners 1220. In the current aspect, each flange portion 1320 candefine two (2) fastener holes 1340. In various aspects, each flangeportion 1320 can be arranged to accommodate different types of fasteners1220 and can comprise other methods, shapes, or arrangements of featuresdepending on the type of fastener utilized. In various aspects, fastenerholes 1340 can comprise a 3-sided element such that bolts can be slidinto the holes from the side, thereby allowing the off-site preparationof subassemblies that can be easily connected together in the field. Invarious aspects, various subassemblies can be connected together usingbolts as with the depicted fasteners 1220.

The saddle 1200 can define an inner surface 1262 and an outer surface1266. The central portion 1310 can define a central portion innersurface 1312 and a central portion outer surface 1316, each being partof the inner surface 1262 and the outer surface 1266, respectively.Similarly, each flange portion 1320 can define a flange portion innersurface 1322 and a flange portion outer surface 1326, each being part ofthe inner surface 1262 and the outer surface 1266, respectively.Additionally, each flange portion 1320 of each saddle 1200 can define aflange end 1380 that can define an end of the saddle 1200 on one extent.The saddle 1200 can also define a pair of bracket ends 1390 locatedalong the entirety of the saddle 1200, including the central portion1310 and the flange portion 1320.

An isolated view of the standoff 1100 can be seen with reference to FIG.6. The standoff 1100 can be of rectangular block shape in the currentaspect. The standoff 1100 can be about square in cross-section. Invarious aspects, the standoff 1100 can be of various shapes meant toaccommodate a pipeline or manufacturing and assembly requirements. Eachstandoff 1100 can define at least one fastener hole 1410. In the currentaspect, each standoff 1100 can define two (2) fastener holes 1410 forinteraction with the fasteners 1220. Each standoff 1100 can compriselateral faces 1412 (1412 a shown, 1412 b on the other side, unseen),contact faces 1414 (1414 a shown, 1414 b on the other side, unseen), andend faces 1416 (1416 a shown, 1416 b on the other side, unseen). Eachstandoff 1100 can be described by a height dimension 1420 as measuredbetween the two contact faces 1414, a width dimension 1430 as measuredbetween the two end faces 1416, and a thickness dimension 1440 asmeasured between the two lateral faces 1412. Each fastener hole 1410 canbe arranged as extending entirely through the length of the thicknessdimension 1440 from lateral face 1412 a to lateral face 1412 b. Eachfastener hole 1410 can be positioned about centrally along the heightdimension 1420—or, said differently, each fastener hole 1410 in thecurrent aspect can be placed such that a center location of the fastenerhole 1410 can be located about one-half the distance of the heightdimension 1420 from either of the contact faces 1414. In variousaspects, the fastener holes 1410 can be positioned in other locations toaccommodate various physical arrangements.

With returning reference to FIG. 4, each fastener hole 1340 can belocated close to the flange end 1380 than to the central portion 1310.This arrangement allows the standoff 1100 to protrude below the flangeend 1380 such that the standoff 1100 can be the only thing touching theinner pipe 500. In various aspects, the saddle 1200 and the standoff1100 can be arranged such that the standoff 1100 can be the only thingtouching the outer pipe as well with simple dimensional modifications.With returning reference to FIG. 3, a protrusion 1490 of the standoff1100 can be seen as referenced (annotated with respect to only one ofthe six standoffs 1100 for clarity). The standoff 1100 can be seenprotruding below the flange end 1380 such that the contact face 1414(inner contact face 1414 a) can be in contact with an outer surface ofthe inner pipe 500 (seen in FIG. 1), which can also be excluded fromcontact with the saddle 1200. The protrusion 1490 can be measured as thedistance from the flange end 1380 to the contact face 1414. In thecurrent aspect, the protrusion 1490 can be about one-fourth of theheight dimension 1420. In various aspects, the protrusion 1490 can beone-third of the height dimension 1420. In various aspects, theprotrusion 1490 can be one-fifth of the height dimension 1420. Invarious aspects, the protrusion 1490 can be one-half of the heightdimension 1420. In various aspects, the protrusion 1490 can beeliminated.

With returning reference to FIG. 2, the plurality of standoffs 1100 candefine an inner diameter 1500 of the insulating spacer bracket 1000. Theinner diameter 1500 can be defined by the inner contact faces 1414 a. Inthe current aspect, the inner diameter 1500 can be defined as thedistance between inner contact faces 1414 a of adjacent standoffs 1100.In aspects that contain an odd number of standoffs 1100, the innerdiameter can be defined by determining the radius from a center of theinsulating spacer bracket 1000 to the nearest inner contact face 1414 a.The inner diameter 1500 can be similar to or substantially the same asan outer diameter 515 of the inner pipe 500. In various aspects, theinner diameter 1500 can be termed the “working diameter.” The insulatingspacer bracket 1000 can also define an outer diameter 1600 similarly tothe inner diameter as measured from the outermost contact faces 1414 b.The outer diameter 1600 in the current aspect can also be defined by thesaddles 1200, although in various aspects the saddles 1200 can belocated interior to the outer diameter 1600. In various aspects, thestandoffs 1100 can be located interior to the outer diameter 1600 suchthat the outer diameter 1600 can be defined by features of the saddles1200. In various aspects the outer diameter 1600 can be about similar toor substantially the same as the inner diameter of the outer pipe (notshown).

One should note that conditional language, such as, among others, “can,”“could,” “might,” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, orotherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intendedto convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments donot include, certain features, elements and/or steps. Thus, suchconditional language is not generally intended to imply that features,elements and/or steps are in any way required for one or more particularembodiments or that one or more particular embodiments necessarilyinclude logic for deciding, with or without user input or prompting,whether these features, elements and/or steps are included or are to beperformed in any particular embodiment.

It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments are merelypossible examples of implementations, merely set forth for a clearunderstanding of the principles of the present disclosure. Any processdescriptions or blocks in flow diagrams should be understood asrepresenting modules, segments, or portions of code which include one ormore executable instructions for implementing specific logical functionsor steps in the process, and alternate implementations are included inwhich functions may not be included or executed at all, may be executedout of order from that shown or discussed, including substantiallyconcurrently or in reverse order, depending on the functionalityinvolved, as would be understood by those reasonably skilled in the artof the present disclosure. Many variations and modifications may be madeto the above-described embodiment(s) without departing substantiallyfrom the spirit and principles of the present disclosure. Further, thescope of the present disclosure is intended to cover any and allcombinations and sub-combinations of all elements, features, and aspectsdiscussed above. All such modifications and variations are intended tobe included herein within the scope of the present disclosure, and allpossible claims to individual aspects or combinations of elements orsteps are intended to be supported by the present disclosure.

That which is claimed is:
 1. A saddle comprising: an arcuate centralportion defining a first end and a second end opposite the first end; afirst flange portion bent radially inward from the arcuate centralportion at the first end; and a second flange portion bend radiallyinward from the arcuate central portion at the second end.
 2. The saddleof claim 1, wherein a first fastener hole is formed through the firstflange portion and a second fastener hole is formed through the secondflange portion.
 3. The saddle of claim 2, wherein: the first flangeportion defines a first flange end distal to the arcuate centralportion; the second flange portion defines a second flange end distal tothe arcuate central portion; the first fastener hole is located closerto the first flange end than to the arcuate central portion; and thesecond fastener hole is located closer to the second flange end than tothe arcuate central portion.
 4. The saddle of claim 2, wherein a firstfastener engages the first fastener hole and a second fastener engagesthe second fastener hole.
 5. The saddle of claim 4, wherein: a thirdfastener hole is formed through the first flange portion; a thirdfastener engages the third fastener hole; a fourth fastener hole isformed through the second flange portion; and a fourth fastener engagesthe fourth fastener hole.
 6. The saddle of claim 4, wherein a vent isformed through the arcuate central portion.
 7. The saddle of claim 6,wherein: the vent is a first vent formed proximate to the first end andallowing access to the first fastener through the arcuate centralportion; and a second vent is formed through the arcuate central portionproximate to the second end, the second vent allowing access to thesecond fastener through the arcuate central portion.
 8. The saddle ofclaim 7, wherein the first vent is laterally aligned with the secondvent.
 9. The saddle of claim 8, wherein each of the first vent and thesecond vent is elongated in a lateral direction.
 10. The saddle of claim1, wherein each of the first flange portion and the second flangeportion defines a length that is less than a length of the arcuatecentral portion.
 11. The saddle of claim 10, wherein each of the firstflange portion and the second flange portion defines a width that isabout equal to a width of the arcuate central portion.
 12. The saddle ofclaim 1, wherein each of the first flange portion and the second flangeportion are substantially planar.
 13. An insulating support bracketcomprising: a saddle comprising an arcuate central portion and a firstflange portion extending radially inward from the arcuate centralportion, and a second flange portion extending radially inward from thearcuate central portion; and a first standoff fastened to the firstflange portion; and a second standoff fastened to the second flangeportion.
 14. The insulating support bracket of claim 13, wherein thefirst flange portion is bent radially inward from the arcuate centralportion and the second flange portion is bent radially inward relativeto the arcuate central portion.
 15. The insulating support bracket ofclaim 13, wherein the saddle is formed from a rigid material, andwherein each of the first standoff and the second standoff is formedfrom a rigid, insulating material.
 16. The insulating support bracket ofclaim 13, wherein the first standoff abuts a first outer surface of thefirst flange portion and the second standoff abuts a second outersurface of the second flange portion, a first fastener coupling thefirst standoff to the first outer surface and a second fastener couplingthe second standoff to the second outer surface.
 17. The insulatingsupport bracket of claim 16, wherein each of the first flange portionand the second flange portion are substantially planar.
 18. Theinsulating support bracket of claim 16, wherein a vent is formed throughthe arcuate central portion, the vent allowing access to at least one ofthe first fastener and the second fastener through the arcuate centralportion.
 19. The insulating support bracket of claim 18, wherein: thearcuate central portion defines a first end and a second end oppositethe first end; the first flange portion extends from the first end andthe second flange portion extends from the second end; the vent is afirst vent formed proximate to the first end and allowing access to thefirst fastener through the arcuate central portion; and a second vent isformed through the arcuate central portion proximate to the second end,the second vent allowing access to the second fastener through thearcuate central portion.
 20. The insulating support bracket of claim 13,wherein: the first flange portion defines a first flange end distal tothe arcuate central portion; the second flange portion defines a secondflange end distal to the arcuate central portion; the first standoffextends radially inward beyond the first flange end; and the secondstandoff extends radially inward beyond the second flange end.